Соглашение между Российским космическим агентством и Итальянским космическим агентством о сотрудничестве в исследовании и использовании открытого космоса в мирных целях [англ.]

(Заключено в г. Риме 10.02.1998)

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE RUSSIAN SPACE AGENCY AND THE ITALIAN SPACE AGENCY ON COOPERATION IN THE EXPLORATION AND USE OF OUTER SPACE FOR PEACEFUL PURPOSES

(Rome, 10.II.1998)

The Russian Space Agency (RSA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana), hereinafter referred to as «the Parties»,

Recalling:

the Agreement between the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Government of the Italian Republic on Cooperation in the Exploration and Utilisation of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes, signed in Moscow on October 14, 1988;

the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Italian Republic on Scientific and Technical Cooperation, signed in Rome on December 1, 1995;

the Protocol of the First Session of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Italian Republic, signed in Rome on October 23, 1997;

Giving due consideration to the cooperation programmes and projects in progress between the scientists and experts of both countries in the field of exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes;

Desiring to contribute to the effective practical use of space science and technology in the interests of economic and social development of both countries;

Aiming at providing a legal and organisational framework for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between RSA and ASI in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes;

Have agreed as follows:

Cooperation within the framework of this Agreement will be carried out in such fields as:

• space science;
• use of space equipment and ground infrastructure;
• monitoring of the Earth environment from outer space;
• remote sensing of the Earth;
• space meteorology;
• space communications and navigation;
• manned space flights;
• materials processing in space;
• space medicine and biotechnology;
• space technology.

Additional fields of cooperation may be determined by mutual agreements between the Parties.

Cooperation within the framework of this Agreement will be carried out in such forms as:

1. planning, preparation and implementation of joint, mutually beneficial projects on the basis of scientific, industrial and experimental experience of both countries;

2. conducting joint scientific research and development activities;

3. joint design, manufacture, testing and use of space technical equipment;

4. mutual provision of equipment and services to each other;

5. exchange of experimental data and results, scientific and technical information, as well as technical equipment;

6. holding joint scientific and technical symposia, conferences, workshops and exhibitions;

7. facilitating the exchange of scientists and other specialists, training of personnel and their participation in joint scientific research activities and projects.

Additional forms of cooperation may be determined by mutual agreements between the Parties.

1. The terms and conditions of specific programmes and projects carried out in execution of the present Agreement will be the subject of separate agreements or working protocols.

Such agreements or protocols will also include:

• description of the aims of programmes and projects;
• individual and common responsibilities of the Parties;
• financial arrangements;
• provisions for exchange of information, data and goods necessary to carry out joint programmes and projects;
• provisions for public information and scientific publication activities;
• provisions relevant to the legal protection and use of industrial and intellectual property rights;
• rules for utilisation and dissemination by both Parties of results and data obtained from joint projects and activities.

2. For the formulation of proposals relevant to specific fields of cooperation and the implementation of specific joint activities, the Parties shall set up joint working groups.

3. The Parties shall provide support and assistance for the establishment and development of cooperation between organisations, institutions, enterprises and firms of both States and shall ensure favourable opportunities for their participation in joint programmes and projects of cooperation, carried out in execution of the present Agreement

4. Upon mutual consent, the Parties may provide a third party with a possibility to participate in the execution of joint programmes and projects of cooperation carried out in execution of the present Agreement.

1. The Parties shall keep each other informed of basic directions of national space programmes of their countries and the course of their execution.

2. The Parties shall not be allowed, without prior mutual written consent, to transfer to a third party or to publish information on the contents of joint programmes and projects, or results and data obtained in the course of their execution.

Each Party, under the relevant laws and regulations of its State, shall provide assistance for the entry of experts of the other Party into its country, their stay in and departure from that country, as well as for the import and export of the goods of the other Party, necessary to carry out joint programmes and projects in execution of the present Agreement.

1. In order to monitor the execution of the present Agreement and examine proposals relating to the plans of cooperation, the Parties shall hold annual consultations at the level of their Executive Heads or their representatives.

2. For the purpose of consideration of issues relating to the execution of specific programmes and projects carried out in execution of the present Agreement, the Parties shall hold meetings with participation of relevant officials and experts.

Unless otherwise agreed upon in the specific agreements or working protocols on joint programmes and projects, the Parties shall not raise claims against each other for damages caused to their property as well as their staff members in connection with the execution of activities related to these joint programmes and projects, except in cases of willful misconduct. Each agreement or working protocol on joint programmes and projects will contain detailed provisions on the application of the principle of the cross-waiver of liability.

Disputes regarding the interpretation and execution of this Agreement shall be settled through consultations between the Parties.

1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signature by both Parties and shall remain in force for a period of five years. It shall be automatically extended for subsequent five year periods, if neither of the Parties notifies in writing the other Party of its intention to terminate the present Agreement, six months before the expiry of each five year period.

2. This Agreement may be amended in writing, upon mutual consent of the Parties.

3. Unless the Parties agree otherwise, termination of this Agreement shall not prejudice the remaining in force of the agreements or working protocols on specific joint programmes and projects, signed on its basis, until completion of all activities envisaged under those agreements or working protocols.

Done at Rome, on 10 February, 1998 in two originals in the English language.

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